With the recent ban on sitting and lying on Waikiki sidewalks enacted into law, some of Waikiki's homeless residents have decided to move themselves to Fort DeRussy Beach. which stretches from in front of the Hale Koa Hotel and the Outrigger Reef on the Beech. The Honolulu Police Department is unable to anything about the new homeless campers as Fort DeRussy Beach falls under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The military police, who patrol the grounds of the Hale Koa Hotel, have stated that their jurisdiction ends at the sidewalk. Tom Brower, the state representative for Ala Moana, Waikiki and Kakaako, commented, "Now that the homeless won't be permitted on Waikiki sidewalks, it's no surprise that they'll want to be on the beaches," Waikiki resident Steve Caplan noted, "What has occurred in just the last few weeks is a massive influx of tents and individual sleepers from the 10 p.m.-to-6 a.m. range because they know they are in a safe zone exempt from HPD control. It's Little Switzerland."
Lisa Mann, the acting commander of the Waikiki police force stated, "It has recently been brought to our attention that the number of campers has grown. HPD has been advised recently that they can't move them because the area is under state jurisdiction and the district attorneys won't prosecute." Mann added that they could enforce rules prohibiting camping at Fort DeRussy Beach, but the proper signs would have to be posted first. Deborah Ward, the spokeswoman for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, stated, "The department is currently reviewing jurisdiction issues and is not prepared to comment on these questions."
Barry Wallace, the executive vice president of hospitality services for Outrigger Enterprises, commented, "The current level of homelessness is just awful. It's very frightening to our guests and employees. It's unsanitary, unattractive and totally not what people want to see when they come to Hawaii. We supported the sit-lie bill with the idea that it would give police a tool to move people off the streets and connect them with shelters and help. We're even working with a nonprofit to provide more services. I would hate to think that there was one area in Waikiki where the rules didn't apply."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 9-20-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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